Amanda Anisimova’s Season Through Her Coach’s Eyes
After rebuilding her game from the ground up, coach Hendrik Vleeshouwers shares how composure, confidence, and hard-earned lessons have helped Amanda Anisimova turn potential into results.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Hendrik Vleeshouwers enters the players’ lounge with a genial smile, sporting a khaki Boston Red Sox cap and a light step. His energy makes sense — his player, Amanda Anisimova, is experiencing the best season of her career. The 24-year-old American, seeded No. 4, has reached the semifinals in her debut appearance at the WTA Finals after a dramatic comeback win over No. 2 Iga Swiatek on Wednesday night, her second consecutive victory against the Polish champion.
Season Highlights
- Won 10 matches against Top 10 opponents — more than in all previous seasons combined.
- Claimed victory in 13 consecutive three-set matches, all at Grand Slam, WTA 1000, or 500 events.
- Defeated all four reigning Grand Slam champions, a feat not achieved in the past seven years.
“There are so many stats out there, but those are good ones,” Vleeshouwers said. “She’s beating strong opponents. I love that data because it’s easy to use when I'm talking to Amanda — ‘Look at this.’”
A Season to Remember
Vleeshouwers described the season as rewarding and full of joy, marking a transformative phase for both coach and player.
Coach’s Reflection
“The whole year has been fun,” said Vleeshouwers.
Author’s Summary: Through focus and tactical evolution, Amanda Anisimova reshaped her career, earning her coach’s admiration and one of the most remarkable WTA seasons in recent years.